Remarkable Last Names That Start With R: With Meanings

Surnames starting with R are some of the most recognizable and widespread family names across the globe. From the Spanish _Rodriguez_ to the English _Robinson_, this letter packs a punch when it comes to genealogy. Whether you are digging into your family history, writing a novel, or just curious about etymology, exploring R names opens a door to fascinating origins.

We have rounded up over 200 examples, covering everything from popular household names to rare gems you have likely never heard before. In this guide, you will find the meanings, origins, and cultural connections behind these surnames.

80 Common Last Names That Start With R

These traditional surnames are some of the most recognizable family names found in phone books and historical records worldwide.

1. Raabe: A German surname meaning “raven,” originally used as a nickname for someone with black hair.
2. Rabinowitz: This means “son of the rabbi” and is common among Jewish families from Poland and Lithuania.
3. Radcliffe: Originally Ratcliffe, this Old English name means “red cliff” and belongs to several locations across England.
4. Radich: An Americanized spelling of the Serbo-Croatian Radić, derived from a word meaning “merry” or “glad.”
5. Radick: A variation of the Czech-Slovak Rádik, which stems from Radoslav; “rad” translates to “merry.”
6. Rafiq: A name based on the Arabic “rafīq,” meaning “intimate friend” or “companion.”
7. Raines: Originally “hrægene,” meaning “shelter” in Old English, this name was often given to people from Rayne in Essex.
8. Raj: Taken from the Sanskrit “rāja,” meaning “king,” and often appears in compound names like Prithviraj.
9. Raleigh: A name meaning “deer’s meadow” in Old English; it is also a well-known city in North Carolina.
10. Ramirez: A popular Spanish surname meaning “son of Ramon,” combining “ragin” (counsel) and “mari” (fame).
11. Ramos: Based on the word “ramos,” meaning “branches,” this name is linked to religious festivals like Palm Sunday.
12. Ramsey: Also spelled Ramsay, this derives from the Latin “de Rameseia,” meaning “of wild garlic island.”
13. Randall: A name meaning “shield wolf” that is often linked to the Gaelic MacRaghnaill, or “son of Raghnall.”
14. Raphael: This biblical name belonged to an archangel and translates to “God heals.”
15. Rapp: Derived from the Middle German “rabe” (raven), this was a nickname for someone with dark hair or a thievish nature.
16. Rappaport: A fusion of the German “rapp” (raven) and “port,” referring to the Italian town of Porto Buffole.
17. Ray: A name taken from the Old English “rœge,” referring to a “female roe deer.”
18. Raymond: Used as both a surname and a first name, this Germanic moniker means “wise protector.”
19. Redmond: An anglicized version of Raymond, derived from “ragin” (counsel) and “mund” (protection).
20. Reed: One of the most common descriptive surnames for people with red hair or a ruddy complexion.
21. Reeves: Derived from the Middle English “reve,” this occupational name described a “sheriff,” “steward,” or “bailiff.”
22. Reid: A Scottish variation of Reed, used as a nickname for a “red-haired person.”
23. Reinhardt: A strong Germanic name composed of “ragin” (counsel) and “hart” (strong/hardy).
24. Renaldo: The Italian variation of Reynold, meaning “advice” and “rule.”
25. Resnikoff: A Jewish surname derived from Reznikov, meaning “ritual slaughterer” or butcher.
26. Revere: A topographic name for someone residing “on the river bank,” from the French “rivier.”
27. Reyes: A Spanish name meaning “kings” or “royals,” often given to people associated with royal households.
28. Reynolds: A patronymic surname meaning “son of Reynold” or “son of Reginald,” translating to “powerful ruler.”
29. Rhames: A unique surname linked to the German Rahmes, likely based on a specific location called Rahms.
30. Rhodes: Also spelled Rhoades, this comes from the Old English “rod,” meaning a “woodland clearing.”
31. Ricard: A French form of Richard, meaning “brave,” “powerful,” and “strong ruler.”
32. Riccardo: The Italian variation of Richard, meaning “strong” and “dominant” in Italian as a boy’s name.
33. Ricci: An Italian nickname for someone with “curly hair,” derived from the word “riccio.”
34. Rice: A topographic surname for someone “living near a thicket” or shrubs, from the Old English “hrīs.”
35. Richards: A patronymic name meaning “son of Richard,” a name popularized by King Richard the Lionheart.
36. Richardson: A traditional name for a “son of Richard,” associated with power and bravery.
37. Riley: Meaning “rye clearing,” this is often an anglicized version of the Irish Ó’Raghailligh.
38. Rios: A topographic name based on the Spanish “rio” (river), often denoting someone who lived near a riverbank.
39. Rispoli: Derived from the personal name Rispo, originally a German name found in Italy.
40. Ritchie: A diminutive of Richard, combining elements meaning “power” and “brave.”
41. Rittenhouse: An Americanized spelling of the German Rittinghaus, a habitational name from Westphalia.
42. Riviera: Derived from the Latin “riparia” (river bank), this name is linked to Italian coastal regions.
43. Robbins: A patronymic name meaning “son of Robin,” which itself is a diminutive of Robert (“bright fame”).
44. Roberts: A very common surname meaning “son of Robert,” translating to “bright fame.”
45. Robertson: A Scottish patronymic meaning “son of Robert,” historically associated with Scottish nobility.
46. Robinson: Meaning “son of Robin,” this is a widespread English surname.
47. Robles: A Spanish topographic name for someone living near an “oak tree grove.”
48. Rock: Derived from the Middle English “rok,” describing someone who lived near a large rock or rocky outcrop.
49. Rodriguez: A massive Spanish name meaning “son of Rodrigo,” meaning “famous ruler.”
50. Rogers: Derived from the personal name Roger, meaning “famous spear.”
51. Rojas: The feminine plural form of the Spanish “rojo” (red), likely referring to a place with red soil.
52. Rollins: Based on the diminutive Rawlin, this implies “son of Ralph” or “son of Raoul.”
53. Romain: An English and French variation of Roman, describing a person “from Rome.”
54. Roman: Derived from the Latin Romanus, denoting a “Roman” or a pilgrim who traveled to Rome.
55. Romanov: A famous Russian patronymic meaning “son of Roman,” associated with the last imperial dynasty.
56. Romero: Derived from the Latin Romaeus, used to describe a pilgrim traveling to Rome or the Holy Land.
57. Rosario: Stemming from the Latin “rosarium” (rose garden), this name is strongly associated with the Catholic rosary.
58. Rose: A floral surname often given to someone who lived near wild roses or a house with a rose sign.
59. Rosenquist: A Swedish ornamental name meaning “rose twig,” combining “rosen” (rose) and “quist” (twig).
60. Ross: A Scottish clan name meaning “promontory” or “headland.”
61. Rossetti: An Italian plural nickname derived from Rosso, meaning “red” or “red-haired.”
62. Rossi: The most popular Italian surname, meaning “red-haired” (note: link text says Irish, but Rossi is definitely Italian).
63. Roth: A name derived from the German “rot” (red), typically describing someone with red hair.
64. Rousseau: A French nickname for a red-haired person, derived from the Old French “rous.”
65. Rowe: A topographic name for someone living “near a hedgerow” or a “rough path.”
66. Rowland: Derived from the Germanic Hrodland, meaning “famous land” or “glory land.”
67. Ruan: A Chinese surname referring to a traditional string instrument or a state during the Shang Dynasty.
68. Rubio: A Spanish nickname for someone with light hair or a ruddy complexion, from the Latin “rubeus.”
69. Rucker: A German name meaning “to move” or “draw,” sometimes used as a nickname for a greedy person.
70. Rudd: A topographic name meaning “reed bed,” or a descriptive name for a person with a ruddy complexion.
71. Rudolph: Meaning “famous wolf,” this Germanic name is common as both a first and last name.
72. Ruiz: A Spanish surname meaning “son of Ruy,” which is a short form of Rodrigo.
73. Rush: A topographic name for someone living near rushes or a marsh.
74. Russell: A classic surname derived from the Norman “rousel,” a nickname for a redhead.
75. Russo: The southern Italian equivalent of Rossi, denoting someone with “red hair” or a reddish beard.
76. Ruth: A habitational name from Germany, or linked to the Middle English “reuthe” (pity/compassion).
77. Rutledge: A habitational name from Routledge Burn in England, meaning “loud stream.”
78. Ryan: A popular Irish name derived from “righ” (king) and the diminutive “an,” meaning “little king.”
79. Ryder: An occupational name for a “mounted warrior” or “messenger,” from the Old English “ridere.”
80. Rye: An occupational name for someone who grew or sold rye, or a topographic name for a “forest clearing.”

80 Unique Last Names That Start With R

If you are looking for something a bit different, these distinct spellings and variations stand out from the crowd.

1. Rabbitt: Derived from the Norman name Radbode, meaning “good message” or “tidings.”
2. Racek: A nickname for the Slavic name Radoslav, meaning “merry” or “glad.”
3. Rácz: A Hungarian name originally used to describe a Serbian person.
4. Radloff: A North German name derived from Radolf, meaning “wolf counsel.”
5. Radwanski: A habitational name describing someone from the village of Radwan in Poland.
6. Raeburn: A Scottish topographic name meaning “stream where deer drink.”
7. Raglin: Also appearing as Ragland, this comes from the German Regelin, meaning “counsel.”
8. Ragno: An Italian nickname meaning “spider,” or derived from the personal name Ragino.
9. Ragnvaldsson: A Swedish patronymic meaning “son of Ragnvald,” a name borne by ancient kings.
10. Ragucci: An Italian patronymic or nickname derived from Rago, meaning “strong.”
11. Raimondo: The Italian form of Raymond, meaning “protecting hands” or “wise protector.”
12. Rainey: An Anglo variant of the Gaelic Ó’Ráighne, meaning “divine power.”
13. Rais: An Arabic title meaning “chief” or “leader,” derived from the word “ra’s” (head).
14. Raley: A unique spelling of Raleigh, meaning “deer’s meadow.”
15. Ralston: A Scottish habitational name meaning “Ralph’s town” or “Ralph’s settlement.”
16. Ramachandran: A combination of the deity “Rama” and the Sanskrit word “chandra” (moon).
17. Rasmussen: A Danish and Norwegian name meaning “son of Rasmus,” which means “beloved.”
18. Rathburn: A habitational name for someone from Radbourn, meaning “reedy stream.”
19. Ravenscroft: An English place name meaning “raven’s field” or “raven’s enclosure.”
20. Raycraft: A variation of Rycroft, referring to a “rye field” or “rye enclosure.”
21. Reader: An occupational name for a scholar, diviner, or someone who thatched roofs with reeds.
22. Reagan: An Irish surname meaning “little king,” derived from the descendant of Riagán.
23. Reardon: An anglicized form of the Irish Ó’Ríordáin, meaning “royal bard” or poet.
24. Redd: A simple descriptive surname for someone with red hair or a ruddy complexion.
25. Redondo: A Spanish and Portuguese nickname for a “plump person,” from the word for “round.”
26. Regal: A habitational name from places in Spain, possibly derived from “regar” (to irrigate/water).
27. Reichmann: A German name meaning “powerful man” or “wealthy man.”
28. Reif: An occupational name for a cooper or ribbon maker, from the German word for “hoop.”
29. Reisner: An occupational surname for a woodcarver or someone who made grooves in wood.
30. Remis: Derived from the Latin Remigius (“oarsman”) or a pet name for Jeremiah.
31. Renaud: A French name of Germanic origin, meaning “counsel rule.”
32. Renfrow: A Scottish surname for someone from Renfrew, meaning “flowing brook.”
33. Renner: An occupational name for a messenger or courier, from the German “rennen” (to run).
34. Resendez: A Spanish patronymic meaning “son of Rudesind,” implying “counsel path.”
35. Reyna: Derived from the Latin “regina,” meaning “queen,” or the Spanish “reina.”
36. Reynoso: A Spanish habitational name, possibly derived from terrain characterized by kings or royalty.
37. Reznik: A Czech and Jewish occupational name for a butcher or slaughterer.
38. Rhea: A name with Scottish roots, possibly meaning “grace” or “prosperity.”
39. Riabov: A Russian surname derived from a nickname meaning “pockmarked” or “speckled.”
40. Riagán: The original Gaelic form of Reagan, meaning “little king.”
41. Riaz: A Persian first name and surname derived from the Arabic word for “gardens.”
42. Ribeiro: A common Portuguese name for someone living near a small stream or riverbank.
43. Richter: An occupational German name for a “judge” or administrator.
44. Rickels: A habitational name for someone from Riccall in Yorkshire.
45. Riddle: A topographic name for someone living in a valley (Old Norse “dalr”) cleared by burning.
46. Ridenour: An Americanized spelling of the German Reitenauer, meaning “meadow clearing.”
47. Riedel: A German nickname derived from names like Rudiger, or an occupational name for a marsh dweller.
48. Riggins: An Irish surname derived from Ó’Riagáin, meaning “son of the little king.”
49. Riggleman: A variant of the German Riegelmann, likely describing someone living near a rail or bar.
50. Riggs: A topographic name for someone who lived on or near a ridge.
51. Rinder: An occupational name for a cattle farmer, derived from the German “rind” (cow).
52. Rinehart: A variation of the German Reginhard, meaning “brave counsel.”
53. Ringler: An occupational name for a maker of rings or buckles.
54. Riojas: A habitational name for someone from the La Rioja region in Spain.
55. Ripley: An English habitational name meaning “strip of clearing in the woods.”
56. Ristović: A Serbo-Croatian patronymic meaning “son of Risto” (a form of Christopher).
57. Ristovski: A Macedonian and Polish variation meaning “son of Risto” or “son of Christ.”
58. Ritz: A German nickname for Heinrich or Ulrich, or a topographic name for someone living near reeds.
59. Rivers: A topographic name for someone living near a river, or from the French “La Riviere.”
60. Rizzo: An Italian nickname for someone with curly hair.
61. Robb: A Scottish diminutive of Robert, famously associated with Scottish royalty.
62. Robillard: A French diminutive of Robert, meaning “little Robert.”
63. Rockefeller: Originally Rockenfeller, meaning “rocky field” or “open country with rocks.”
64. Rodd: A topographic name for someone living near a “rod” of land or a clearing.
65. Rolon: A Spanish surname, possibly related to a roll or scroll (“rol”).
66. Romano: An Italian name denoting someone from Rome.
67. Romer: An occupational name for a pilgrim who had traveled to Rome.
68. Rooney: An Irish surname meaning “descendant of the champion” (Ruanaidh).
69. Roseberry: A habitational name from Roseberry Topping in North Yorkshire.
70. Rosenbaum: A beautiful German-Jewish name meaning “rose tree.”
71. Rosenberry: A variation likely linked to place names involving roses and hills (burg).
72. Rosenfeld: A topographic name meaning “rose field.”
73. Rothenberg: A name meaning “red mountain,” derived from Yiddish and German roots.
74. Rountree: A topographic name for someone living near a rowan tree (mountain ash).
75. Roux: A French nickname for a red-haired person.
76. Ruggeri: An Italian form of Roger, meaning “famous spear.”
77. Rushdie: Derived from the Arabic “rashad,” meaning “integrity” or “right guidance.”
78. Ruskin: A name meaning “descendant of little Rose” or “little Rous” (redhead).
79. Rygg: A Norwegian topographic name for someone living near a ridge or spine of land.
80. Ryzwan: Also spelled Rizwan, meaning “satisfaction” or “acceptance” in Arabic.

80 Rare Last Names That Start With R

These uncommon R surnames might be hard to find, but they carry unique and fascinating meanings.

1. Racanelli: An Italian occupational name for someone who worked with knitted or woven materials.
2. Radev: A Bulgarian patronymic meaning “son of Rade,” a diminutive of Radoslav.
3. Radhakrishnan: A combination of the deity Krishna and his consort Radha, meaning “prosperity” and “black.”
4. Radler: An occupational name for a wheelwright, derived from the German “rad” (wheel).
5. Radosta: A Czech nickname for a joyful person, from “radovat se” (to rejoice).
6. Rae: A concise 3-letter name meaning “roe deer,” denoting a timid or speedy person.
7. Raikes: A topographic name for someone living near a pass or narrow valley.
8. Raishley: An obscure surname likely linked to the place name Rashleigh in Devon.
9. Ramakrishnan: A South Indian name combining “Rama” (pleasing) and “Krishna” (black/dark).
10. Ramruttun: A name found in Trinidad and Mauritius, derived from “effort of Rama.”
11. Randazzo: A Sicilian habitational name from the town of Randazzo near Mount Etna.
12. Randhawa: A Punjabi surname meaning “war ground attack,” historically a warrior clan.
13. Randle: A variant of the Germanic name Randall, meaning “shield wolf.”
14. Randrup: A Danish habitational name from various farms or villages in Denmark.
15. Rao: An Italian nickname for Ralph, or an Indian title meaning “chief” or “king.”
16. Rapistarda: A rare Italian name, possibly a corruption of Rapisalpa (“he steals sardines”).
17. Raptis: An occupational Greek surname for a tailor.
18. Rapunzel: A very rare German surname derived from the name of the rampion plant.
19. Rask: A German habitational name or a nickname meaning “quick” or “rash.”
20. Rasputin: A Russian name meaning “crossroads” or “dissolute,” made famous by the mystic Grigori Rasputin.
21. Rattlebone: A strange English nickname for a particularly skinny or bony person.
22. Rauch: A German occupational nickname for a blacksmith (“smoke”) or someone with unkempt hair (“rough”).
23. Rausch: A German nickname for a noisy or boisterous person.
24. Rautio: A Finnish occupational name meaning “smith.”
25. Ravipati: An Indian surname from Andhra Pradesh, meaning “lord of the sun.”
26. Rawat: A title used by Rajputs, meaning “chief” or “commander.”
27. Rebane: An Estonian surname meaning “fox.”
28. Recknagel: A German occupational name for a nailsmith.
29. Redden: A topographic name for someone living near a “cleared woodland.”
30. Reddihough: A rare English habitational name from Lancashire.
31. Redwine: An Americanized form of the German Rettwein or Ortwein.
32. Reedus: A variation of Redhouse, a habitational name found in England.
33. Regenbogen: A German Jewish ornamental name meaning “rainbow.”
34. Reiss: An occupational name for a dealer in rice or a woodworker.
35. Renda: An Italian surname, possibly from a short form of Lorenza or the ancient name Rando.
36. Reno: An altered form of the French Renault, or a Spanish habitational name.
37. Restrepo: A Spanish habitational name from a village in Asturias.
38. Retegui: A Basque name meaning “burnt place” or “place of the burn.”
39. Rickwood: Derived from the medieval personal name Richeward, meaning “powerful guardian.”
40. Riddlebarger: An Americanized form of the German Riedelberger.
41. Riddlehoover: An Americanized form of the German Reidelhuber.
42. Ridgeway: A topographic name for someone living near a path along a ridge.
43. Riemenschneider: An occupational name for a strap cutter or harness maker.
44. Riese: A German nickname meaning “giant,” often used ironically for a short person.
45. Riffle: An Americanized spelling of the German Riffel or Rüffel.
46. Rimdal: A rare Scandinavian name with unclear specific origins, likely topographic.
47. Rimmer: An occupational name for a poet or minstrel (“rhymer”).
48. Rinehimer: A variant of the German Reinheimer, denoting someone from Reinheim.
49. Rink: A German name derived from a short form of names containing “ragin” (counsel).
50. Risk: A Scottish topographic name for someone living near a marsh (Gaelic “riasg”).
51. Roaker: A topographic name for a “dweller at a rock.”
52. Robespierre: A French surname made famous by the revolutionary, derived from “Robert’s stone” or “Robert Peter.”
53. Robinette: A diminutive of Robin, meaning “little Robin.”
54. Roe: A short name for someone with red hair or a timid nature (like a roe deer).
55. Roig: A Catalan nickname for a redhead.
56. Rokkanen: A Finnish surname, likely topographic in origin.
57. Ronquillo: A Spanish nickname for someone with a hoarse voice.
58. Rooijakkers: A Dutch name meaning “red field” or “cleared field.”
59. Roopak: An Indian name meaning “dramatic” or “form.”
60. Roosevelt: A Dutch name meaning “rose field,” famously borne by two US presidents.
61. Roquemore: A habitational name from Roquemaure in France.
62. Rosendahl: A Scandinavian name meaning “rose valley.”
63. Rossiter: An Anglo-Norman habitational name from Rochester.
64. Rothschild: A famous Ashkenazi Jewish name meaning “red shield,” from a house sign.
65. Rowbottom: A geographic name describing a depression in the ground where roe deer gathered.
66. Rowntree: A northern English name for someone who lived near a rowan tree.
67. Royster: A nickname for a wild, riotous person.
68. Royston: A habitational name from places called Royston in England.
69. Rubalcava: A Spanish name derived from Arabic, meaning “the empty quarter” or a specific valley.
70. Ruffus: A variation of Rufus, the Latin word for “red.”
71. Ruggiero: The Italian equivalent of Roger, meaning “famous spear.”
72. Rundström: A Swedish ornamental name meaning “round stream.”
73. Rupee: A rare name associated with the currency, derived from “silver.”
74. Rupprecht: A German variant of Robert, meaning “bright fame.”
75. Rushin: A topographic name for someone living near rushes.
76. Russom: A habitational name from Rusholme in England.
77. Ryba: A Slavic occupational name for a fisherman (“fish”).
78. Ryker: A German name meaning “rich” or “wealthy.”
79. Rymill: A nickname for a heavy drinker, or from an Old English personal name.
80. Ryskamp: A Dutch name meaning “brushwood field.”

What Is the Most Common Last Name Starting With R?

In the United States, Rodriguez, Roberts, and Robinson are the most common surnames starting with R. Globally, Rodriguez is extremely widespread due to the naming conventions in Spanish-speaking countries.

What Last Names Starting With R Mean “Red”?

Because “red” was a common nickname for people with red hair or ruddy complexions, many R surnames carry this meaning. Examples include Reed, Reid, Roth (German), Rousseau (French), Rossi (Italian), Rojo/Rojas (Spanish), and Russell.

Are There Any Royal Last Names That Start With R?

Yes, several names have royal connections or meanings. Romanov was the surname of the last imperial dynasty of Russia. Names like Roy, Rey, Reyes, and Raja literally translate to “king” or “royal” in their respective languages.